Chicken Creek Campground on Lake Tenkiller accommodates horses on select sites with water and electric hookups. The campground features level spots with adequate room for horse trailers, though no dedicated horse corrals are available. Campsites include covered picnic areas, grills, and proximity to boat docks, making it convenient for campers bringing horses and boats. The grounds include vault toilets, a dump station, swim beach, and playground areas. Gates close at 10:00 pm and reopen at 6:00 am, requiring planning for late arrivals. Most sites have good shade from mature trees, though backing larger trailers can be challenging at some locations. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Gore, Oklahoma.
Located 17.5 miles northeast of Gore on Highway 100, Chicken Creek provides access to riding areas around Lake Tenkiller's shoreline. The lake's clear waters and surrounding oak-hickory forests create scenic trail riding opportunities through rolling hills and tall bluffs. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with peak season running April through September and first-come, first-served camping available October through November. The campground sits within Green Country, an area known for abundant wildlife including deer and turkey, plus migratory birds like bald eagles and white pelicans. Riders should note that some trails can be challenging with rocky terrain. The nearby Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA offers an alternative with full hookups and additional amenities for those requiring more services, though it lacks specialized horse facilities.
"They also have normal cabin rental and tiny home rentals that were perfectly positioned around campground and fishing pond. My only complaint would be that the sites are really compact."
"Also hiking trails. Also some tent sites. There is a whole new section for Class A and large 5th wheel campers now."
"Store outside gate. Gates going in locked at 10:00 p.m. and open at 6:00 a.m."
"We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us. Great place to stay, friendly staff!"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $50 / night
"Stayed in the Equestrian campground with access to miles and miles of trails. It was wonderful and some of the best hiking I have done in quite a while. The hikes along the lake edges were great."
"Campground was alongside the highway, however the highway divides the state park, sites up the hill are farther away from the highway."
from $32 / night
"My son fished in the lake right outside our spot and we had deer walking by!"
"It is close to Hwy 51 but you really can’t tell. Gate keepers were wonderful and very helpful I saw some old oyster mushrooms all over the place possibly some lions mane 💓 I had a great time."
"The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate."
from $14 - $28 / night
"Contacted owner late in the evening looking for a spot after a 9hour drive. This place had everything and the bathhouse was just like taking a shower at home!"
from $22 - $25 / night
"Buffalo, horses and awesome amounts of fish! We stayed here in a duplex cabin and could just fish right out our back door. They have hiking trails and 2 private lakes."
from $35 - $40 / night
from $14 / night
GuideWe stopped at Taylor’s Ferry for one night on a road trip and pretty much had the whole campground to ourselves! We stayed in spot 51 (pull through) right on the water and shaded! Campground is very clean and hosts are helpful. My son fished in the lake right outside our spot and we had deer walking by!
GuideDuring the past five years, we've stayed at this park at least six times. It's a good overnight stopping point as we head back to Texas, with easy access from the highway and a nice dog park. If you travel with pets, then you know why that's important.
All the park staff we have ever dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The road from the highway to the park is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate. Even though it's close to the highway, you really won't hear much traffic noise, especially if you're at the rear of the park away from the roadway.
We were assigned to pull-through site number E1 with a concrete pad that is level from side to side. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located.
NOTE: We always request space E1 because it is level, has a nice-sized shade tree that blocks the afternoon sun, and is close to the bathrooms, showers, pool, and laundry room. I've included several aerial photos of the park, and you will see that it is pretty full. Probably 90% of those staying here are full-time or seasonal. Row E is usually left open for travelers, so you might want to request a site on that row, as they are pretty much level. Even though the park has mostly full-time residents, it is nice, quiet, and well maintained. If it wasn't, we wouldn't continually stay here.
The bathrooms, showers, laundry room, and pool area are all located in one location at the front of Row E and are clean and well maintained with secure door and gate codes. Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: We were able to get AT&T 5G with 3 bars. AT&T achieved 567 Mbps down and 6.43 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, and if you do need totally clear access for satellite reception, there are sites available with no trees. We were able to get 30 OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable and Wi-Fi were not available.
Dog Park: They have a very nice fenced-in park that is always in great condition. The park is divided for big and small dogs, and the large-dog area is very large with lots of tree coverage. They also provide doggie bags and a trash can.
Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from town, where you can find plenty of stores and restaurants. Also, this is a Good Sam Park, so if you're a member, you'll get a discount if you let them know. Summary: A great place for an overnight stay, and I would not hesitate to recommend it- enjoy your stay!
GuideThis was a great stay with great spots for both smaller RV, tents & travel trailers. I loved this spot plus it was free. There are restrooms but no showers. First come first serve since there is no office or website to book! There was not many people when we went March-April and weather was nice. I also got to use my generator.
ScoutHauling our new camper home and Fort Gibson was a convenient mid point. Dialed up campgrounds and chose this one on CBC a whim. Spent a week here and during that time scouted out all the other government sites in the area. This one is the best gov site in the area.
LegendStayed in the Equestrian campground with access to miles and miles of trails. It was wonderful and some of the best hiking I have done in quite a while. The hikes along the lake edges were great. There are horse trails id have loved to have done but it was time to move on. Of all the campgrounds, and there are many in the park, the Equestrian is the best if you want to hike.
LegendI think part of the possibility confusion is the north and south campground. There is both on the campground on the south side of the road. There is also a day use area on the overall north side of the road which is for boating and picnics. Campground is great but if you have read you can stay for free on the picnic area, that is not correct as it allows no camping.
TravelerFriendly helpful staff. Decent lots. Many are shaded. Several things for kids including a pool.
TravelerShowers need cleaning and water pressure is very poor
GuideGreat camp ground, pleanty of shady spots. Would have given 5 stars, but they are limited on sites with 50amps. Showers were in rough shape as well
Camping near Gore, Oklahoma provides access to Lake Tenkiller's 130 miles of shoreline with elevations ranging from 600 to 900 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping offers vibrant foliage displays when oak and hickory trees transition to red and gold colors typically from late October through mid-November.
Scuba diving at Lake Tenkiller: The clear waters of Lake Tenkiller offer 8 to 28 feet of visibility for divers to explore sunken artifacts including an airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter, and two boats. "Lake Tenkiller is an amazing location to scuba dive. Its waters are clear and cool from a distance of 8 to 28 feet. A diver will have the opportunity to investigate a sunken airplane fuselage, school bus, helicopter and two boats," notes a reviewer at Chicken Creek.
Fishing at Taylor Ferry: Located on Fort Gibson Lake, Taylor Ferry provides excellent fishing opportunities just a short drive from Gore. "Great place to camp and boat. Good fishing spots as well," reports a visitor to Taylor Ferry. The campground offers direct lake access with multiple fishing spots along the shoreline.
Hiking at Robbers Cave: About a 90-minute drive from Gore, Robbers Cave State Park features hiking trails through the San Bois Mountains. "It offers a lot of amenities, but overall it's about the cave trails and lots of hiking opportunities," shares one camper about Robbers Cave State Park. The park's namesake cave requires a 3/4-mile hike on rocky terrain with significant elevation changes.
Convenient boat access: Chicken Creek campground offers proximity to boat docks and water activities. "We had a great spot located 200 yards from the lake. Also had the boat dock just on the other side of us," reports a camper. The campground's layout allows for easy boat launching and water access.
Privacy between sites: Many campsites at Long Lake Resort offer spacious separation. "Buffalo, horses and awesome amounts of fish! We stayed here in a duplex cabin and could just fish right out our back door. They have hiking trails and 2 private lakes," notes a visitor. Sites with natural barriers provide additional privacy.
Quiet camping environment: Taylor Ferry campground receives positive reviews for its peaceful atmosphere. "It is clean and peaceful and quite and nice," shares one regular visitor. The campground maintains quiet hours from 10 pm to 6 am, similar to Chicken Creek's gate closure times.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operations during winter months. "Peak Season April 01, 2021- September 30, 2021. First-come, First-served October 01, 2021- November 30, 2021," advises a Chicken Creek camper. Many facilities close completely from December through February.
Highway noise: Some camping areas experience road noise despite natural settings. At Taylor Ferry, "We could hear the noise from the highway across the lake," notes a camper. Sites furthest from main roads generally offer the quietest experience.
Limited hookup options: Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups but lack sewer connections at individual sites. "The campground is great except no sewer connections," reports a Taylor Ferry camper. Dump stations are typically available but may require driving from your campsite.
Trail difficulty: Hiking trails often present more challenges than advertised. At Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA, a visitor noted, "The road was really large rock that is very bumpy and uncomfortable to wheel over," highlighting accessibility concerns. Many trails feature rocky, uneven terrain that may be difficult for those with mobility limitations.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas provide family recreation opportunities. "We spent two afternoons swimming in Lake Carlton. The designated swim area has a very rocky drop-off for an entrance, but once out it was very nice swimming," shares a visitor to Robbers Cave State Park. Chicken Creek also offers a swim beach with designated swimming areas.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. "The grounds include vault toilets, a dump station, swim beach, and playground areas," explains a camper about area facilities. Chicken Creek includes a playground near the swim beach area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Green Country region offers chances to spot native wildlife. "The lake has 130 miles of shoreline with plenty of wildlife such as deer and turkey. It serves as one of the flyways of migratory birds, including bald eagles, common loons, and white pelicans," notes a Chicken Creek visitor. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campsites present challenges for larger trailers and RVs. "We've stayed here multiple times and love it. Beautiful place. Some sites are a little tricky backing into with 29' trailer though," advises a Chicken Creek camper. When possible, request pull-through sites for easier access.
Limited 50-amp availability: Campgrounds often have fewer 50-amp sites than 30-amp connections. "Would have given 5 stars, but they are limited on sites with 50amps," explains a Chicken Creek reviewer. Reserve well in advance for 50-amp service, especially during peak season.
Water quality considerations: Water sources may require filtration for optimal use. "I do advise having a water filter system on your rig," suggests a Taylor Ferry visitor. Bringing drinking water or a filtration system is recommended for campers with sensitive equipment or personal preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gore, OK?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gore, OK is Sallisaw-Fort Smith West KOA with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gore, OK?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Gore, OK, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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